Quote #2

The salmon-falls, the mackerel-crowded seas, Fish, flesh, or fowl, commend all summer long Whatever is begotten, born, and dies. (4-6)

Life and all of its pleasures tend to occupy the minds of most living things. It’s not often that we think of philosophical or even spiritual questions that don’t directly affect our daily lives. At least, that’s the contention of our speaker here.

Quote #3

Caught in that sensual music all neglect Monuments of unageing intellect. (7-8)

The "sensual music" of life becomes all-consuming. While listening to music, it’s easy to get entranced. Similarly, while caught up in the business of living, it’s all too easy to forget about existential questions.